Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 5 Galaxy Z Fold 5 Review

The Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 5 is a previous-generation foldable phone that offers a huge 7.6-inch screen for media and multitasking. It's a solid performer, but its battery life and cameras are just average. At a refurbished discount, it's a fun way to try a foldable; at full price, you're better off with something newer.

If you're hunting for a flagship foldable phone that's a few years old but still packs a punch, the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 5 is likely on your radar. This is Samsung's 2023 premium foldable, featuring that iconic 7.6-inch main display that unfolds into a mini-tablet, paired with a 12GB RAM and 256GB storage configuration. It's an unlocked model, ready for any carrier, and runs Android 13. While it's no longer the latest model, it's now floating in a wide price range from about $730 to over $1,300, depending on where you look and whether you're buying refurbished or new. People searching for a 'big screen phone for streaming' or a 'foldable Android smartphone' are definitely looking at this guy.

Our data puts the Z Fold 5's overall performance in the 80th percentile against all phones, which is solid for a previous-gen flagship. It's powered by a high-end Snapdragon chipset (though the exact model isn't listed in the specs we have), and that 12GB of RAM ensures multitasking is smooth, especially with the dual-app view feature. For gaming, it scores a 26.8 out of 100 in our 'best for' rankings, which honestly isn't its strongest suit—the large screen is great for viewing, but the foldable form factor and older chip mean hardcore gamers might want to look at a dedicated gaming phone or a newer slab-style flagship. It's plenty fast for everyday tasks, social media, and streaming, though.

The value proposition here is all about the price spread. At the low end of the range, around $729 for a refurbished model, the Z Fold 5 becomes a much more interesting proposition for someone who wants to try the foldable form factor without paying $1,800. At the high end, over $1,300 for a new unit, you're paying a premium for what is now last-gen tech, and you should seriously consider if a newer Galaxy Z Fold model or a high-end slab phone like a Galaxy S-series or Pixel is a better use of that cash. Newegg often has competitive deals on the refurbished versions, which is where we see the best value.

This sits in a weird spot compared to its main rivals. The Samsung Galaxy S25 FE is a newer, traditional flagship that will likely smoke it in camera performance and battery life for a similar or lower price. The Google Pixel 10 would offer a cleaner software experience and arguably better computational photography. If you absolutely need a big screen for media but don't need it to fold, the OnePlus 15 or even a small tablet might be a more durable and cost-effective choice. And of course, if you're in the Apple ecosystem, an iPhone 16e would be the obvious alternative, though you lose the foldable novelty entirely. The Fold 5's only real direct competitor is other foldables, which are few and far between in this refurbished price bracket.

Skip the Galaxy Z Fold 5 if you're a photography enthusiast—its camera performance is middling. Also skip it if you need a phone that can survive drops and scrapes, or if you're a mobile gamer looking for the highest frame rates. And definitely skip it if you're looking at paying the full $1,300+ price; at that point, a new Samsung Galaxy S-series, Google Pixel, or even a newer foldable like a Z Fold 6 (if you can find a deal) is a smarter buy. This is for the frugal tech-curious who specifically want a foldable screen.

So, should you buy the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 5? It's a conditional yes, but only under specific circumstances. If you can snag a certified refurbished model for close to $730 and your heart is set on experiencing a foldable phone, it's a compelling way to do it without massive financial regret. You'll get that awesome big screen for videos and a genuinely unique multitasking machine. But if your budget stretches to the $1,300+ range, or if your priorities are camera quality, all-day battery life, or durability, you should skip this and look at a newer flagship phone instead. This is a phone for early adopters on a budget, not for everyone.